I recently attended a gallery, where one of my paintings was one of the entries in the exhibition. At the launch evening, I realised that not all artists immerse themselves in colour. The subject matter may determine the medium and palette they use, yet a lot seemed to be the artist's own personal style as the main factor. One artist used pen and ink.

The Norse god, Skadi, may have brought the snow and ice down to Viking-age Coppergate, but the 10th century inhabitants are promising a very warm welcome to visitors making winter trips to JORVIK Viking Centre in York – where sub-zero temperatures are forecast to stay until February!

Foodforthebrain.org, the UK’s Alzheimer’s prevention charity, has been selected by Innovate UK, the Government’s research and innovation agency, to develop and then roll-out to the NHS a reliable test to help identify those at risk of dementia.

Jones Myers has further expanded its esteemed Children’s Team with the appointment of Solicitor Laura Sargeant, who brings sixteen years’ experience in family law. Passionate about working in family law since her mid-teens, Laura’s specialisms include adoption, child arrangement orders and child protection orders.

I feel I may be contradicting myself today in this latest article. I usually encourage young artists to be free with their art and not be restricted by topics and themes. However, I realise that sometimes when faced with a blank piece of paper or a canvas a word suggestion can be helpful. This is speaking from experience.

This Men's Health Awareness Month (that starts today, Mental Health Expert Noel McDermott looks at the importance of father-son relationships and how to strengthen these familial bonds. By investing in the mental and emotional health of men and boys, he believes we can build healthier families and communities.

School can be a stressful environment for many children and the Autumn half term is the perfect opportunity to rest, reset and re-connect. We can support our family’s mental health all year round, but half term is the ideal time to reconnect as a family, boost our mood together and make deeper connections.

For those looking for a family day out this October half term, The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, home of the iconic Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese, is serving up cheesy fun, delicious dining and a range of family-friendly activities. As the UK’s flagship cheese experience, Wensleydale Creamery offers plenty to keep families entertained.

Our second trip to BeWILDerwood was even more magical than the first. This time, we returned to the woods for their Halloween festivities, and once again, it did not disappoint.

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has launched a spine-chilling lineup of new Halloween tours and events for all ages to celebrate this spooky time of year.

My recent call out for children's and young people’s art has given me new hope for the future of our next generation of talented and enthusiastic artists. Working in education for many years I despaired at the lack of interest schools and other establishments showed the importance of creativity amongst children.

Chester Zoo has revealed a raft of new additions will join its Christmas lights festival - and organisers are promising this year’s trail will be its “brightest ever.” The national conservation zoo has again teamed up with entertainment giants Sony Music to deliver this year’s Lanterns and Light spectacle - which has developed into one of the North West’s biggest and longest running festive lig…

When I heard this expression recently, I immediately thought of the 10cc band. Singing it in my head, I couldn't quite recall the lyrics, so I asked Mr Google and found they were very appropriate as to what I had in mind for this next article. I have always believed that art should be just that.

The St John Save a Life September campaign is back again in 2025 and this year St Johns are aiming to teach at least 300,000 people vital lifesaving skills through public demos, online videos and first aid advice like this column.

Niche family law firm Jones Myers has been shortlisted for a major family law award based on its outstanding level of client service and strong teamwork. The practice is a finalist in the Family Law Firm of the Year Regional category - which covers the North of England - in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards.

Niche family law firm Jones Myers has been shortlisted for a major family law award based on its outstanding level of client service and strong teamwork. The practice is a finalist in the Family Law Firm of the Year Regional category - which covers the North of England - in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards.

At the ripe old age of 77 and having the luxury of a certain amount of time on my hands I find I am continuously learning new skills. These can be as simple as a new approach to mixing paint mediums to viewing something from an angle I`d never considered before. The world is my oyster and a constant source of wonderment. This is how I`d love children to see life.

Jones Myers family law firm has presented an annual award for exceptional performance to a Masters law student for the sixth consecutive year. The 2025 Jones Myers Prize for the Best Overall Performance on Master of Laws of England and Wales at Leeds Beckett University goes to Eloise Smith.

In a lively classroom, a group of eager third graders huddle around their teacher, who sets a challenge: "How can we make this balloon float without using helium?" A hand shoots up. "Could we use air pressure and a fan?" says one child. Another suggests, "Or maybe we could invent something to make the air lighter?" In moments like these, creativity sparks, and STEM comes alive.

A unique exhibition train which brings to life the past, present and future of the railway is set to call at Darlington Station next month. Railway 200’s Inspiration will arrive at Darlington on Wednesday 10 September 2025 and will spend a week telling the rich history of 200-years of engineering firsts and world-changing innovation.

With exam results season now behind us and the new school year approaching, thousands of young people will be out there thinking, what next? Whether you’re celebrating the results you hoped for, or feeling unsure after some disappointments, it’s important to remember there are many different routes to success.